FIERCE for a cure: Natick boot camp raises money for cancer research

Sunday

Derith Cass, owner of Natick's Garage Gym, took inspiration from a friend battling metastatic breast cancer and thyroid cancer to create a charity boot camp that raised $1,100 for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

NATICK — In Derith Cass’ gym, high-fives are a given, and it’s not unusual to hear cheers of “power it up” and “you’re rocking it!”

Lighthearted encouragement is par for the course at FIERCE, Cass’ all-women fitness program based out of Garage Gym in Natick.

“We’re a community that supports women,” said Annie Rolincik, a FIERCE athlete.

But last Saturday, Cass — known as "Coach D" to her clients — sought to channel that energy into something greater: a cure.

Making a difference

Cass took inspiration from friend, fellow Wellesley resident — and occasional Wonder Woman — Carol Chaoui, who is living with metastatic breast cancer and thyroid cancer. Chaoui recently organized the second Vintage Vogue Runway for Research fashion show, fundraising for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, where Chaoui is a patient.

Benefiting Vintage Vogue and Dana-Farber, the FIERCE charity boot camp drew 15 women, some of whom were either cancer survivors or in treatment, according to Cass.

“When people come together for a specific cause like that, where you know that you’re there for something much bigger than a workout, I feel that that generates energy that is just deeper,” she said. “There’s just purpose behind everything.”

However, raising money for charity doesn’t have to be a somber event, according to Cass.

“It feels more impactful when you know that people are having fun and enjoying it, but that we’re actually making a difference, even in a small way,” she said.

A charity boot camp was the natural choice, Cass added.

“I love that feeling, that I could do what I love and help people not just through exercise, but through other ways at the same time,” she said.

‘We’ve got your back’

Especially with an all-women group of athletes, breast cancer research is a cause close to home for many.

“Everybody has been touched by cancer, whether it’s a family member or a friend or yourself,” Cass said. “It’s sad, actually, how many of us are affected, but we all are, so it hits close to home.”

Yet the women of FIERCE support one another through anything — both in the gym and out, according to Rolincik.

“We have a strong bond as women, and Coach D has kind of encouraged us all to be fierce and strong, and through these workouts we feel stronger and we feel fierce and united as women in our strength,” she said.

There’s an unspoken sisterhood among women, Cass added.

“There’s no filters, because there doesn’t need to be,” she said.

That bond was visible at the boot camp, which raised about $1,100 in 45 minutes, according to Cass.

When it comes to supporting the women of FIERCE, she added, “the approach is, whatever you need, we’ve got your back.”

Vintage Vogue takes place Sunday, Sept. 16. Tickets are $150 and can be purchased online at http://www.jimmyfund.org/events/cancer-fundraising-events/vintage-vogue-runway-for-research/.